DENVER — Gov. Jared Polis announced on May 25 updates to the safer-at-home order for restaurants, summer camps, and private camping.
According to a release, restaurants on May 27 will be allowed 50% capacity or 50 people dining indoors, whichever is fewer. Restaurants are encouraged to seat guests outdoors and utilize patio spaces to accommodate more people. Bars, however, will remain closed during this time. Any establishment that does not serve food will be up for evaluation in June. All guidelines and restrictions concerning restaurants and food services can be found here.
"Coloradans value our diverse culinary scene and amazing restaurants, and I’m proud that our state is now providing science-based guidelines on how restaurants can open as safely as reasonably possible for their employees and customers. Diners will have more space between tables and at many restaurants, more opportunities to eat outside. The safest thing anyone can do is stay home whenever possible, but for those who want to shop and dine we want to make sure it can be done as safely as possible,” Polis said.
Children's day camps and youth sports camps open on June 1, but residential overnight camps will remain closed. Decisions will be made in mid-June regarding July and August overnight camps. The Colorado Department of Human Services and local public health agencies will have the rights of approving children's residential camps that opt to open as day camps. Any sort of day camp (mobile, youth sports camps, outdoor camps, etc.) must abide by the guidelines outlined by the state.
“I know this has been a very different school year than many students were expecting, and thanks to the success of our social distancing efforts so far, Colorado kids will be able to enjoy day camps and youth sports camps this summer in as safe a manner as possible. The risk, though less, is still very real, and it’s up to families to make the best decisions that work for them. We also appreciate the critical role that day camps, along with daycare which has already been operating in as safe a manner as reasonably possible, play in supporting working parents,” Polis said.
Starting Monday, private campsites will also be reopened. If a host county does not yet feel comfortable reopening their campsites, they should contact their local health agency, and then consult with the Colorado Department of Natural Resources and CDPHE in writing. Campgrounds within the State Parks are already open.
“Our outdoors are part of who we are as Coloradans, and our campgrounds provide more people with the opportunity to safely enjoy Colorado’s natural beauty at a safe distance from others,” Polis said.
The order that shut down ski resorts has expired, and ski resorts may work towards approval from local authorities in order to open and operate safely.
A Public Health Order is set to release Tuesday, May 26. The safer-at-home order is still in effect until June 1, but has been modified and reflects said changes. For a closer look at the updated executive order, click here.
